“I’m so glad you’re…” At the sound of a feminine voice, Jared whirled from the porthole. A quick survey of the voice’s owner brought an admiring glint to his eyes, and as his gaze came to rest on the wide, green pools of her eyes, he grinned wickedly, surmising the reason for the young woman’s sudden appearance. That sly old fox, Burten! This girl had been sent to cool any advances Jared might think of making toward Mariah Randall. Well, Burten’s taste was certainly excellent and he saw no reason to refuse the delightful offering.
Mariah was embarrassed and totally immobilized by blundering in on a complete stranger. Not only that, but he’d obviously just finished a bath and had not completed dressing. His red-gold hair curled damply behind his ears and his shirt lay open, baring an expanse of muscular chest and a flat, spare stomach. She couldn’t help noticing the strongly chiseled features. He looked like a classic statue of an athlete. She blushed a delicate rose under the gaze of those piercing, oddly light eyes. Her skin tingled strangely and she felt a sudden desire to escape although she couldn’t seem to make her limbs obey. Her hand crept up to cover her mouth as he stalked across the room until he stood directly before her. “I’m sorry I…She didn’t finish the sentence, taking a step backward instead.
Her hesitancy puzzled him for a moment, but he spoke soothingly. “No need to apologize, miss. I’ll have to remember to compliment Jonas on his taste and hospitality.” The girl was young and obviously new at her trade for she stared up at him like a small kitten facing a predatory wolf. Her light scent of lavender surrounded him, adding to his pleasure, and if he hadn’t been so eager to hold her, he could have questioned what circumstances had brought her into selling herself. Instead, he gently reached out to touch the ebony curls framing the oval face, curious to see if they felt as soft and silken as they appeared. Impatient anger flooded through him as she flinched away. She acted as though he were threatening her! Any moment it seemed she would bolt like a frightened fawn. This was one girl he wasn’t willing to release until she’d eased the desire she’d aroused in him. Quickly he moved past her, turning the key in the lock and cutting off any hope of retreat she might harbor.
The ominous click of the door lock broke Mariah’s dazed silence. “Who are you?” she asked. “And what do you think I am?” With rising anger she whirled to find him lounging arrogantly against the door. Ignoring the twitch of mockery at the corners of his wide, sensual mouth, Mariah raged at him.
“Apparently you have such little confidence in your dubious charms that you think you can persuade a woman to stay only by locking the door! I’m not who you seem to think I am, and unless you open the door immediately, I’ll scream!”
Jared’s anger gradually gave way to admiration for the spirited defense the girl put forth. She was completely unaware that she’d become even more desirable in her volatile fury. Two rosy spots accentuated the high, exotic cast of her cheekbones and the green fire flaming in her eyes. His gaze swept over her once more and returned to settle on her face. “S’pose you tell me who you are and why you came to Jonas’s cabin. I had every right to assume what I did.”
The cool confidence with which he’d delivered the insult set Mariah’s foot tapping in fury. “My name is Mariah Randall and I came to seek the captain’s assistance.” A worried look suddenly conquered the anger on her face and she caught her lip between two pearly teeth in frustration. While she’d been defending herself against the attentions of this detestable rogue, Clay was lying sick in his cabin. “I demand you release me immediately! I have to find the captain and send for a doctor.”
Jared was still trying to digest her admission that she was Mariah Randall, the girl he’d come to escort. Her manner certainly supported the claim but he could hardly believe that besides having the virtues Jonas had described, she was also one of the most beautiful creatures he’d ever seen. “I apologize, Miss Randall. If you like, I’ll find Jonas myself and give him your message. Where should I direct him?”
Mariah stared warily at the man, trying to decide if he was serious. His eyes no longer seemed to strip her naked or insolently caress her features. She was angry still, but Clay’s health was more important at this point than her humiliation at the hands of this ruffian. “Cabin five, Mr. Hamilton’s cabin,” she replied, and added, “Please tell him to hurry!” As she watched, he unlocked the door and opened it with a sweeping bow that managed once again to project insolence.
“I don’t think we need to mention this to Burten. After all, it was a case of mistaken identity. In return for my help with the doctor?”
The man was insufferable! He stood there, one blond, rakish brow cocked in that superior manner and bargained with her for his help! Tightening her mouth to suppress a sarcastic reply, she nodded curtly. Lifting her head, she swept past him, hoping it was the last she’d see of him.
For a moment Jared stood and watched the stiff, retreating figure. He laughed as he closed the door. Perhaps when she found out who he was, his mission would be accomplished. Somehow though, the success of Lil’s plans seemed to dim before the prospect of seeing the intriguing Miss Randall again. Keeping his promise, he went off in search of Jonas, whistling a tune beneath his breath.
Chapter 5
That night it was Captain Burten instead of Clay Hamilton who escorted Mariah to dinner. The doctor had seen Clay and prescribed a few days bed rest and a mild diet. Mariah, attired in a white satin gown shot through with silver thread, entered the salon on Burten’s arm, tensing as she saw the blond stranger seated at the captain’s table. How dare he, she thought. The man had the gall to appear for dinner and sit at their table. As they approached, he rose and despite her irritation at his presence, she couldn’t ignore how well dressed he was or how nicely the tailored dress coat covered his lean shoulders. The immaculate laced shirt almost gave him a civilized look.
When Burten introduced her, the man bowed low over her hand and only she could see the suppressed amusement in his gray, wolf’s eyes. He’d had the advantage of knowing her identity ahead of time and she was embarrassingly aware of his gaze when it was revealed that he was her sister’s foreman. She quickly recovered her composure and managed the rest of the meal, scarcely answering the inquiries he purposely directed to her. He was actually taunting her to reveal what had happened in the captain’s cabin! By now, if she spoke of it at all, it would seem as though she had instigated the encounter, for the time for a quick outcry of indignation had passed.
Outside on the deck after supper, the captain, much to Mariah’s chagrin, excused himself. “I’ll leave you two alone to get acquainted…After all, you’ll be traveling together.” Burten strode off in the direction of his cabin, quite satisfied that Jared had acted the gentleman this evening.
Mariah watched the captain’s departure with a great deal of trepidation. Jared Bryant leaned against the railing, arrogantly sure of himself. “I don’t think we have anything to say to each other, Mr. Bryant,” Mariah said disdainfully. “I’m sure you’ll understand my reluctance to stay here alone with you.” She turned to go, only to find him blocking her path. He’d moved so swiftly and silently that she was shocked at the sound of his voice so close.
Jared had no intention of letting her escape again. Grasping her arm, he firmly escorted her back to the railing and released her. “You’re wrong, Miss Randall, we have a few things to settle. Your sister sent me to warn you about the land you’ll be living on.” His gaze strayed to the shore and then returned to her. “There’s all kinds of frightening things out on the prairie, menacing things that gobble up little girls from the city and spit them out!” He wasn’t sure she was the type to be scared by unseen bogeys and curiously awaited her reply.
“If you’re referring to yourself, Mr. Bryant, I hardly consider you menacing. It seems to be a character flaw of yours that you highly overrate yourself.”
Jared smiled suddenly and a row of even, white teeth flashed. “Actually, miss, I was referring to the savage Indians and wild a
nimals that roam the land. Ever seen a snake up close…or a wildcat? I don’t know about your courage but most men don’t like to meet up with them.” She shivered slightly at the mention of animals, just as he anticipated, but her analytical response took him completely by surprise.
“It’s quite obvious you were sent to dissuade me from continuing my journey. Apparently Lilith objects to having me stay with her, but whether I’m welcome or not, Mr. Bryant, I refuse to turn around and retreat.” Her face in the light of a quarter moon had taken on a wistful loneliness. “There is no way I can return home, so I’m forced to face the menaces you’ve described. You’ll have to frighten me far worse to have me run.” She had leaned against the railing, staring off into the darkness as she spoke, unaware that now Jared had a tempting view of her breasts swelling delicately over the edge of the low-cut gown. The black piping edging the bodice formed an even more alluring, startling contrast to the glowing, ivory flesh.
“And what of those two days you must be alone on the prairie with me? Are you so sure I wouldn’t take advantage of you?”
Mariah flashed a smile at him. “I’m sure I’m not the type that interests you, Mr. Bryant. If I understand your taste, it runs more to strange women who come knocking on the door late at night.” The smile fell away as he moved closer and before she could protest, his hands dosed on her shoulders, bringing her close enough to see the blue darts of anger flash from his eyes.
Low and husky, his reply warned her not to assume too much. “I never really had the chance to find out what type you are.” She struggled against his iron grip, as he drew her into his arms, capturing her lips half-open in protest and thrusting a searching tongue between them. Mariah felt faint, continuing her indignant struggles against the sensations he was arousing. Crushed to his lean, hard chest, her arms were helpless to stop his invading kisses; his hands pressed her so close to his body she felt naked. Tears of humiliation flooded her eyes as one of his hands rose teasingly to press the soft swell of her breast.
Suddenly he released her hand and pressing her back against the railing, placed a soft kiss on her throat. Stunned and disbelieving, she saw him back off, out of range of the hands curling into vengeful claws at her sides. In her panting attempts to catch her breath, her breasts rose and fell in a further tempting display. His voice, coming out of the darkness where he stood, was irritatingly cool and controlled, as though he’d been unmoved by the embrace. “That was your first lesson, Miss Randall,” he said and continued arrogantly, “You still have a lot to learn. My cabin is conveniently across from your own…we have four days before we reach Myer’s Landing if you feel a sudden desire to learn more.” Without waiting for a reply, Jared walked away, heading for his cabin, and Mariah glimpsed the brief, strangely satisfied smile on his face as he left her.
For the first time in her life, Mariah was struck dumb with fury. He had the gall to molest her and then walk away as if nothing had happened! She wasn’t sure which bothered her more, having him take liberties or the horrid way he’d ignored her, as though she weren’t capable of arousing any feeling in him! It was impossible! One small, booted foot tapped the deck planking angrily. She couldn’t face a two-day trip alone with him. She’d have to find some way out of it. Suddenly it dawned on her that he had planned this maneuver to cause this very reaction and she had fallen completely into his trap! She was faced with a terrible predicament. If she set off with him, there would be no one to turn to for help, no one within miles. If she didn’t leave with him, how would she reach the ranch? In a quick flare of temper, Mariah kicked her foot against the railing. In one day’s time, that incorrigible man had both shaken her composure and wounded her pride. At her cabin, she paused and glared at his door, wishing her anger could penetrate the wood and slab him. Inside her room, she lay on her bed, concentrating with all her might to think of a plan to thwart him. As she drifted off to sleep, her last conscious thought was that Jared Bryant would rue the day he had treated her so contemptibly.
Chapter 6
When La Belle de St. Louis pulled into the dock at Myer’s Landing, a small crowd gathered at the riverfront to greet the passengers. Mariah stood on deck with Clay Hamilton, her bags packed and ready to go ashore. An older, gray-haired man and a young girl who resembled Clay stepped forward from the crowd to wave up at them. “That’s Pa and my sister Belle,” Clay told her. “I can’t wait for them to meet you!” The boat lurched against the dock and Clay came to Mariah’s rescue as she was thrown off balance by the jolt. His arm lingered possessively around her narrow waist.
“What a cozy scene! Hope I’m not disturbing anything.”
Mariah tensed, knowing the deep-voiced sarcasm could have come from only one man. Clay’s arm dropped from her waist, although she would have allowed him to leave it there if it would have irritated Mr. Bryant. She turned to glare at the intruder, remarking, “Mr. Hamilton is merely acting as a gentleman should, something I’m sure you know nothing about!”
Jared’s gray-blue eyes flickered briefly with silent amusement, sweeping from her face to Clay’s. He bowed slightly in Clay’s direction, ignoring the younger man’s stiff attitude. “I’m sure there’s no doubt about Mr. Hamilton’s manners, miss. Otherwise he wouldn’t be sharing the…pleasure of your company.” His eyes seemed to drop their mocking light as his expression grew curt and businesslike. “If you’ll wait on shore with Clay and his family. I’ll hire a wagon in town and meet you.”
Mariah had managed to avoid contact with Jared all week. He had taken his evening meals earlier than everyone else and afterward had seemed to disappear. Several times while walking with Clay on deck she had recognized his voice and that of the captain involved in a loud, noisy poker game on the lower deck. The fact that he preferred to spend his time among rowdies hadn’t surprised her but Jonas Burten’s obvious enjoyment of his company amazed her.
Now, however, was an excellent time to reveal the plan she had formulated. “I hope you don’t mind, Mr. Bryant, but Clay has graciously consented to join us.” She thoroughly enjoyed the narrow-eyed look of surprise on his face before he masked it with a cool, appraising stare at Clay. She had managed to thwart him and with a thrill of satisfaction, she continued, “I hope this doesn’t upset your plans, Mr. Bryant. After all, there is safety in numbers!”
Jared watched her with a dawning admiration, catching the wicked, green gleam of triumph in her eyes before she demurely veiled them with her long lashes and turned to Clay with a dazzling smile. So she thought she had the upper hand, eh? This power game between them was becoming more interesting all the time. It would make the mastery of her all the most exciting when it finally came, and Jared had no doubt that, eventually, it would come.
“No bother, Bryant? Since I was heading that way, Mariah and I thought it would be advantageous to combine forces.”
Jared’s hooded eyes barely concealed his contempt for the callow youth. A carelessly shrugged shoulder bespoke an eloquent disinterest in their plans. “Suit yourself, Clay. I expect you to keep up though. I want to make it back to the ranch in good time.” He turned his gray eyes on Mariah, dismissing the boy’s company as unimportant. “As I said, I’ll pick you up on shore.” With a curt nod in her direction, Jared moved away toward the gangplank.
Jared’s reaction had taken a great deal of the pleasure from Mariah’s revenge. She had expected at least to see a spark of anger flash in his eyes. She continued to watch him, noting the graceful, catlike stride and the easy motion that set him amount the magnificent stallion one of the boathands had brought ashore. With the slightest pressure of his legs, he wheeled the animal in the direction of the settlement, politely tipping his hat as he passed Clay’s family.
Jonas Burten came upon Clay and Mariah and watched with them the disappearing figure of Jared Bryant. Something had happened between the girl and Jared, but Jonas was damned if he could figure out what. Jared had spent the last few nights with him, playing cards, and the only comment he’d made a
bout Mariah had been laconic. “She seems to be everything you said.” It was strange. Jared usually charmed the ladies. Still, as long as he’d known him, he wasn’t sure of anything about Jared’s character. There was a deep, brooding loneliness about him despite his apparent self-sufficiency, and Jonas realized that few would ever really learn what made Jared tick. When Jared was out of sight, Jonas turned to Mariah and took her hand in his. He’d grown very fond of her and would miss her sweet smile and winsome figure on the return trip.
“I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey, miss. I’m afraid the Bitterroot’s gain is our loss. For my part, I can only say, you’ve made this a most unforgettable trip!”
Mariah smiled up at the captain, her eyes sparkling with a soft glow, of gratitude. “I can’t tell you how much your kindness has eased my worries, Captain!” She reached into her reticule and drew forth a vellum envelope addressed to her mother. “I’ve written Mama to relieve her anxiety and inform her of my safe arrival. This would reach her much more quickly if you would carry it down river with you.” Burten accepted the letter, placing it in his coat pocket.
“Rest assured I’ll deliver it as soon as we’ve docked in St. Charles.” He turned to Clay, holding out his hand in farewell. “Good to see you home again, m’boy. Your pa’s got every right to be proud of the way you’ve turned out!” A moment later, a light, musical voice called Clay’s name and his sister flew into his arms. Mariah noted Clay’s somewhat embarrassed but affectionate hug and smiled at Clay’s father, who was regarding both his children with a loving glance.
“Belle, what’s Miss Randall going to think of us?” Clay disengaged his sister’s clinging arms from around his neck and smiled at his father. He took Mariah’s hand and presented her. “Miss Randall’s come to stay with her half-sister, Lilith Draper, Pa. We’ve become close friends on the trip.”
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